Business
Judge Reprimands FCCPC For Making DStv Case Details Public, Reserves Judgement
instructed both parties to refrain from further public commentary
In a surprising turn of events during today’s hearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice James Omotosho strongly reprimanded the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for sharing details of the ongoing case against MultiChoice Nigeria with the media.
The judge’s rebuke came as he presided over the latest proceedings in the legal battle between the FCCPC and MultiChoice, which centers on the pay-TV provider’s recent price hike for its DStv and GOtv services.
“Once you submit to the jurisdiction of the court, you don’t need to go to press on issues that may affect the court decision. Going to press that we had granted an injunction stopping the defendant from determining prices while in South Africa, the plaintiff’s price has been reduced to 35 per cent is not good,” Justice Omotosho stated, addressing the FCCPC’s legal team. The judge explained that such actions not only potentially prejudices the case but also undermines the integrity of the judicial process.
The court heard arguments from both parties regarding the FCCPC’s authority to regulate MultiChoice’s pricing decisions. MultiChoice’s lead counsel, M.J. Onigbanjo (SAN), maintained that Nigeria operates a free-market economy where service providers are not required to seek regulatory approval before adjusting prices.
In response, the FCCPC’s representative argued that the commission acted within its statutory mandate to protect Nigerian consumers from exploitative pricing, citing Sections 17(e) and 17(f) of the FCCPC Act.
Justice Omotosho has reserved judgement until May 8, 2025, and explicitly instructed both parties to refrain from further public commentary on the case.
This development comes after the court previously halted the FCCPC from taking any action against MultiChoice over the price increase, pending the resolution of the legal dispute.
As the case continues, industry observers are closely watching its potential implications for regulatory oversight in Nigeria’s telecommunications and media sectors.
